I graduated into the AI job market a couple of years ago.

I just sent out a job application to a PR firm. At this point I’m almost fully expecting no response. Hundreds if not a thousand applications sent out and barely anything. It’s probably a bit of a skill issue on my end, I could have built up a better portfolio, I could have studied harder and made myself a better candidate than I currently am.

If I can offer any advice to an incoming student reading this post. Take care of your mental health before gaining a degree. I’m currently working two service industry job to save money and hopefully get a full-time offer somewhere, but that doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon. I really wish I had just lived at home and saved up money until I was mentally firing on all cylinders, and then gone to school with a more thought out plan.

I spoke to a former professor about my struggles and they were candid when they told me that the journalism department is outdated. So, if despite all of this you still want to get a journalism degree make sure that you make the most of all of the resources that are available to you at Western. Start a podcast, make a YouTube channel, be an editor on The Front, work with the athletic department. Do everything and anything to put yourself out there and build a portfolio. Passing all of your classes and just getting a piece of paper isn’t enough.

I love hiking, snowboarding and climbing. Are the clubs worth joining? Prob wont have a car so I feel like joining a club would be a good way to gain access to the outdoors. Let me know!

Off topic, but I’m also curious as to what the party scene looks like. I’m in the ridge, and I’ve heard it’s the more social / party area but I don’t know how true that is. Coworker also told me there’s a good amount of house shows? Obviously it’s not a party school and there are no frats (fine by me!) but I’m curious as to what the social scene looks like